For the second installation of our “Non-Traditional AT” series, we present to you Scott Mullett! Read on for his story of finding purpose through professional involvement, the unique population he serves and how collecting data has impacted his view on the value of athletic trainers.
Q: What personal experiences or life events sparked your unique practice of athletic training? What professional experiences led you to this place?
A: A great experience is when I started to get more involved with the profession shortly after graduate school. Networking and attending committee meetings shaped how I would pursue my professional career. During meetings, I would look around at the more established athletic trainers who have dedicated their whole professional careers toward making athletic training better for not only me, but my colleagues. I needed to return the favor and do my part to continue their great work.
With this, I started to read up on leadership and professional development, and how important this is within our profession. Then, I updated my social media profiles and was recruited via LinkedIn to assume the position I have now, and it all started with getting involved and learning from mentors.
Q: What space do you currently fill in the AT profession?
A: I work in the occupational sector. I’m currently a full-time athletic trainer at a power utilities company.
Q: What is your WHY? What keeps you going when things get hard?
A: My family keeps me going and props me up when things get tough, but also this great profession. The amazing colleagues and people you meet along the way. The need to make a difference and continue evolving the profession.
Q: What piece of advice would you give to prospective ATs looking to influence or evolve the AT profession?
A: Don’t be afraid to form new ideas or new concepts. Think outside the box, take risks, learn from mistakes, reassess, and try a different approach; never stop being creative.
Q: Has your view on the AT industry evolved since pursuing a non-traditional avenue? If so, how?
A: I see how valuable our services are and how we make an impact within an organization. I’m collecting outstanding data regarding cost savings, return on investment, profit margin, and injury/epidemiological data.
My view has changed in regards that we are immensely valuable in this changing healthcare market and this is the ideal time for our profession to create opportunities. Without the experience of collecting this data and seeing it’s true impact for myself, I wouldn’t have achieved this view.
Q: What gave you the confidence to go against the grain and take an innovative approach to serving the AT profession?
A: Once you put yourself out there and ask questions it gets easier, but I just want to do my part. Great mentors and a support system provided me with the confidence to share ideas and looks at things differently.
Q: If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
A: I would have gotten more involved with the profession while I was an undergrad.
Rapid Fire:
Q: What are 1-3 books that have greatly influenced your personal and/or professional life?
A: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight – the founder of NIKE. A great read on persistence and perseverance, which I feel every athletic can relate to.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Published over 90 years ago, this book is still relevant not only for athletic trainers, but in today’s society. This book taught me to network and create connections with those around me which has helped make a successful transition into the occupational setting.
Presence by Amy Cuddy. Being bold when facing new challenges every day is an experience we encounter throughout our careers, and this book discusses the science behind what to do when encountering these challenges. This book has influenced and increased my confidence as a medical provider; highly recommended.
Q: What is one the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve made that has positively impacted your life?
A: As mentioned before, getting involved with professional organizations. The networking and the information acquired are priceless. I’ve met several mentors along the way who have impacted my life.
Q: What is one habit or behavior that has most improved your life?
A: Taking 30 minutes every evening to read. This has helped increase my knowledge base on many different subjects, clears my mind, and relaxes me.
Q: Favorite App to help keep you organized?
A: I do not utilize an App, but I organize myself by writing lists and updating my Outlook calendar daily. I perform this every morning to help prepare me for the day ahead and reduce being overwhelmed.
Q: Favorite quote to keep you motivated?
A: “Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you’re capable of becoming.” – John Wooden
Q: Favorite activity to spark creativity and ideas?
A: I write and record my own music – the challenge of arranging different instruments and understanding what notes, rhythm, tempo, and key to play in helps spark my creativity, ability to problem solve, and the development of ideas
If you would like to get in touch with Scott, you can contact him at [email protected]
